Arnold against more A-League foreigners

Australia coach Graham Arnold can't understand why some A-League clubs are pushing for even more foreign players under the salary cap.

Adding a sixth spot for foreign players under the A-League salary cap is being discussed as the Football Federation Australia hands over control of the league over to the clubs.

Adelaide United coach Gertjan Verbeek has been one proponent of expanding the chances for foreign players in recent weeks so he can build the Reds' side he wants, but Arnold struggles to see the point of adding more overseas players.

The national coach has said before he would prefer to see Australia's under-23 players getting more game time in the domestic league.

He was annoyed to be asked about the topic once again ahead of the Socceroos' 2022 World Cup qualifier in Kuwait, but he gave a frank assessment.

"Inside a salary cap do you think it's good? Do you think the fourth and fifth foreigner in every club now is good? Is it high quality? So what's the sixth one going to be like," Arnold asked.

The Socceroos mentor, who also coaches the under-23 Olyroos, would prefer for Australia's youngsters to get more regular playing time in the domestic competition, provided they earn their opportunities.

"I'm not going to say that the youngsters in the Olyroos should play week in, week out, in the A-League if they don't deserve to, if they're not good enough," Arnold said.

"But give them somewhere to play like a reserve-grade competition or something. But six foreigners inside the cap, from my past experiences I know what you're getting."

The coach went on to reiterate his support for a domestic reserve-grade competition being set up.